Mexico’s Order of the Aztec Eagle
After the First Mexican Empire was over thrown in 1823 (just two years after achieving independence from Spain), there was a short period of constitutional rule in the new Mexican Republic. Guadalupe Victoria was the president and the people of the new country were excited. Unfortunately it also meant a certain amount of economic instability, which of course bred strife between opposing political parties. The outcome was conflict in the form of civil war and constant battles to keep international interests from taking over.
In the end, it was the French who achieved military occupation of Mexico in the early 1860′s. While French troops sat on the doorstep of every major city, Hapsburg Archduke Ferdinand Maximilion of Austria made his way from Europe to his new empire finally arriving in 1864. During the three year reign of Maximilion he established the Imperial Order of the Mexican Eagle in which there were two classes. The Superior Class could only be given to Heads of State and the Ordinary Class consisted of five ranks: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. The Order of the Aztec Eagle is much the same as its predecessor, with just a couple of name changes in the class ranks.
The Order is bestowed on individuals who have performed services during their lifetime in aid of Mexico. However, the largest proviso in qualifying for a nomination is the individual cannot be a Mexican national. When Maximilion I of Mexico created the first Order, it was to award those who had acted in loyalty to the Imperial crown while carrying out actions that benefited the Mexican Empire. Thus, it is fitting that the Order of the Aztec Eagle is dedicated to recognizing the same sort of individuals.
The classes as they are laid out for the Order of the Aztec Eagle are as follows: the Collar class is awarded to heads of state, the Cross is reserved for prime ministers and other heads of state according to rank, the Band is given to ministers, secretaries and ambassadors in a governmental capacity, the Medal is awarded to undersecretaries and diplomatic ministers. The Placard is only given out for a specific act (as opposed to a lifelong achievement) to servants of embassies and business people. There is also the Venera, an insignia given to temporary business representatives and those who complete diplomatic missions. The final class is Insignia Proper, which is awarded on special merits and on an individual basis.
The Order of the Aztec Eagle is a profound award to receive. It has been given to many members of international Royal families, presidents, politicians and noted business people. Even though the Order came from a place of incestuous stroking of fellow conquerors egos (French occupation and Maximilion I), the Mexican government has altered its meaning to bear so much more respect and significance.
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